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Why the Restoration Movement Still Matters Today

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Faith Facts

  • Churches of Christ trace their identity to the New Testament church, not to a denomination or sectarian movement
  • The Restoration Movement sought to return Christianity to its biblical foundations by following the examples and teachings found in Scripture
  • Christian unity based on Scripture remains a core value, calling believers to focus on what is true and unchanging despite cultural shifts

Churches of Christ are not meant to be a denomination — and “Church of Christ” isn’t meant to be a sectarian name, as ministers noted in a recent examination of “A divine name.” It’s simply one of the biblical descriptions of the local, autonomous churches that make up the body of Christ.

Yet the name has served — for better or worse — as a way to help identify and fellowship churches with a particular understanding of Scripture and how the church should look and function.

Likewise, Churches of Christ are not defined by the Restoration Movement, by Barton Stone or Alexander Campbell. We strive to be heirs of the first century church, following the examples we see in the New Testament.

But — again, for better or worse — Churches of Christ have an undeniable connection and influence from that movement, its leaders and its plea to restore New Testament Christianity.

As part of an ongoing series on the identity of Churches of Christ, editorial board members reflected on their individual views of why the Restoration plea is meaningful and how it fits with their connections to Churches of Christ.

“Christian friends within and beyond Churches of Christ don’t always agree on theology or practice, but we are unified by Christ and him crucified. May we make peace with all believers and let God sort out the differences. The fellowship as we know it may not endure, but I’m confident in the future of the kingdom.”

— Cheryl Mann Bacon

“Sectarianism and power are fundamental longings of fallen human hearts. Unity based upon the teachings of Jesus, and often imperfectly embodied by his earliest disciples, offers a better alternative. At our best, Churches of Christ work toward such unity, granting the liberty to embody the Gospel across diverse settings.”

— Jeremie Beller

“I value the commitment commonly held by Churches of Christ to Scripture and the examples of the New Testament. Our emulation may not be perfect, but the Restoration plea continually draws us back toward the truth and love of God and helps us resist the drift of the world.”

— Calvin Cockrell

“The issue is what do we need to be restored to. The church of our parents is different than today, and young folks can learn from the past and our older saints. Today, older people need to break down cultural boundaries. Let’s talk to people and find out what people are doing.”

— Hamil Harris

“I think the Restoration plea calls the church to focus on what is true and unchanging, despite changes we experience over time. Looking at New Testament teachings and examples, I see the fellowship of the early church. One reason I participate in Churches of Christ is because I experience that type of relationship with other members.”

— Kenzie James

“With sharp divisions taking place in America, and even within our brotherhood, it is critical for members of the Churches of Christ to remain clear-eyed regarding Jesus’ message on unity. How are we supposed to spread the Gospel if we can’t agree on what it means to be disciples?”

— Trindi Mitchell

“I love the simplicity of striving to live and love like Jesus and finding truth and meaning in the stories and teachings of the Bible. It connects me to Churches of Christ because we share a common experience of relying on the Scriptures as our ultimate how-to guide.”

— Bobby Ross Jr.

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Faith

Christian Charity Reports Record-Breaking Surge in Faithful Giving

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Faith Facts

  • Christian funding charity Stewardship recorded a historic 49% surge in donations, reaching £161 million ($209 million) in 2025
  • The record-breaking year reflects growing commitment among believers to support Christian ministries and charitable causes
  • The organization’s annual report demonstrates the strength of faith-based generosity during challenging economic times

A Christian funding charity has announced a historic milestone in charitable giving that demonstrates the enduring generosity of the faithful. Stewardship, a leading Christian funding organization, recorded an unprecedented surge in donations during 2025, marking a significant moment for faith-based philanthropy.

According to the organization’s annual report released Monday, incoming donations jumped 49% to reach a record £161 million, equivalent to approximately $209 million. The remarkable increase reflects a growing commitment among Christians to support ministries and charitable causes aligned with their values.

The surge in giving comes at a time when many believers are seeking meaningful ways to put their faith into action through stewardship and generosity. The record-breaking year demonstrates that despite economic uncertainties, Christians remain dedicated to supporting organizations that advance the Gospel and serve communities in need.

This historic achievement underscores the vital role that faith-based charitable organizations play in channeling resources to Christian ministries, missionaries, and charitable initiatives around the world. The significant increase in donations suggests a renewed emphasis on biblical principles of stewardship and generosity among believers.

The report highlights how Christian donors are increasingly recognizing the importance of strategic giving that aligns with their values and supports causes rooted in traditional faith principles. This trend reflects a broader movement among Christians to ensure their charitable contributions make a lasting impact for the Kingdom.

As churches and ministries continue to navigate changing cultural landscapes, the record level of giving through organizations like Stewardship provides crucial support for spreading the Gospel and serving others in Jesus’ name. The historic year demonstrates that faithful stewardship remains a cornerstone of Christian practice in America and beyond.

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Ukrainian Refugees Quietly Transform Europe With 160 New Churches

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Faith Facts

  • European Christian Mission International reports 160 new churches planted across Europe by displaced Ukrainians since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
  • War-displaced Ukrainian believers are establishing vibrant congregations throughout host nations, bringing spiritual renewal to secular European communities.
  • The church planting movement represents one of the largest faith-driven expansions in modern European history, emerging directly from wartime displacement.

In a remarkable testimony to faith under persecution, Ukrainian refugees have established 160 churches across Europe since fleeing Russia’s invasion four years ago. The European Christian Mission International documented this extraordinary movement of believers who refused to let war extinguish their witness.

While millions fled westward seeking safety, many carried more than belongings—they brought their faith and commitment to gospel ministry. These war-weary believers are now planting congregations in nations that have grown increasingly secular, offering spiritual light in communities that desperately need it.

The church planting effort represents an unexpected harvest from tragedy. Ukrainian Christians, displaced from their homeland, have seized the opportunity to share their faith in host countries throughout the European continent. Their efforts stand as a powerful reminder that God can work through even the darkest circumstances to advance His kingdom.

This movement arrives at a critical time for Europe, where traditional Christian observance has declined dramatically in recent decades. The influx of mission-minded Ukrainian believers brings fresh energy and commitment to regions where church attendance has dwindled and many congregations have closed their doors.

The 160 new churches represent not just buildings or gatherings, but living testimonies to resilience rooted in faith. These communities serve both Ukrainian refugees seeking fellowship in their native language and local Europeans encountering vibrant Christian witness, often for the first time in their lives.

European Christian Mission International’s documentation of this phenomenon highlights how displacement can become an instrument for spreading the gospel. The Ukrainian believers demonstrate that persecution and hardship cannot suppress the Great Commission when God’s people remain faithful to their calling.

As these congregations take root across the continent, they offer hope not only to displaced Ukrainians but to European communities that have long abandoned their Christian heritage. The movement shows how believers committed to their faith can transform even the tragedy of war into opportunities for spiritual renewal and evangelistic outreach.

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Survey Claims Trump Drives Young Adults From Church — But the Numbers Tell a Different Story

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Faith Facts

  • A survey conducted before the 2024 election and released two years later claims President Trump is causing young adults to leave church, raising questions about timing and motivation.
  • The data shows church attendance decline among young Americans began long before Trump’s political career, rooted in decades of cultural shifts away from faith.
  • Christian leaders emphasize that addressing genuine spiritual hunger and biblical teaching matters far more than political blame games.

A curious survey has emerged nearly two years after it was conducted, claiming that former President Donald Trump is driving Generation Z away from church. The timing of the release has raised eyebrows among many who question why researchers would wait so long to publish findings from a pre-election poll.

The survey, conducted in the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election, suggests a correlation between political affiliations and declining church attendance among young adults. However, critics point out that this narrative ignores decades of documented trends showing young people leaving organized religion long before Trump entered politics.

Data from Pew Research and other credible sources demonstrate that church attendance among young Americans has been declining steadily since the 1990s. This trend accelerated in the early 2000s, driven by cultural shifts toward secularism, changing family structures, and the rise of digital entertainment that competes for Sunday morning attention.

Conservative Christian leaders argue that blaming any political figure for spiritual decline misses the fundamental issue: the church’s responsibility to preach the Gospel faithfully and engage young people with truth and authenticity. Rather than pointing fingers at political leaders, they emphasize the need for strong biblical teaching and genuine community.

“The question isn’t about Trump or any politician,” one pastor noted. “The question is whether the church is offering something transcendent and true that speaks to the deep hunger in every human heart.”

Many observers see the delayed release of this survey as politically motivated, designed to influence public opinion during a time of ongoing political division. The tactic of using faith communities as political battlegrounds has become increasingly common, with various groups attempting to weaponize religious affiliation for partisan purposes.

The reality is that young Americans are searching for meaning, purpose, and authentic community. When churches focus on the timeless message of Christ rather than partisan politics from either side, they create environments where genuine faith can flourish across generational and political lines.

Statistics show that churches experiencing growth among young adults are those that emphasize biblical authority, worship excellence, service opportunities, and real relationships. Political affiliation of members matters far less than theological clarity and spiritual vitality.

As America continues to navigate cultural and political tensions, the church’s mission remains unchanged: to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe everything Christ commanded. That calling transcends election cycles, political personalities, and polling data.

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